Abstract The paper aims to examine whether the Chinese international students of Vancouver face serious foodsecurity concerns within their community. The paper discusses an interview that was conducted with a sample of the population and relates the general finding that although the students felt that the safety of Vancouver food itself was not compromised, their lack of knowledge regarding their food items and their poor English meant that the safety of their own diets were compromised. The paper discusses how changes should be implemented in government action. The paper concludes that as all people have the right to live with foodsecurity, so must the international students in Vancouver have a right to safe food choices and practices. The paper includes a sample of the questionnaire as well as interviewee responses compiled in table form as appendices.
From the Paper "The issue of food security, even in a country as advanced and westernized as Canada, is a cause for growing concern amongst Canadian citizens. Though a series of federal government initiatives and international meetings have resulted in the development of federal guidelines requiring certain food security standards, local and provincial action concerning these guidelines has been called into question. Vancouver, though it is not the capital of British Columbia, is the most populous city in the province. The city is a thriving urban centre which provides food for almost 2.2 million Vancouverites, including a large minority of international travelers and students. For those migrating to Vancouver, food security concerns and practices are a potential problem."
Tags: diets, health, meals, snacks, stores, consumption, language
Abstract This paper discusses the foodsecurity status of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, noting that, although most information about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) (North Korea) is difficult to obtain, information regarding the nation's foodsecurity status is somewhat easier to find, perhaps due in part to the food crises of the past decade. The paper explains that the DPRK administration has had to open its doors to international assessment teams, multilateral scrutiny and global media attention, in order to attract much-needed food aid. The paper then relates the history of the DPRK's foodsecurity, beginning in the 1990s, and points out that, although it has been suggested that the DPRK had reached food self-sufficiency by the 1980s, agricultural imports are heavily subsidized by China and Russia. In addition, the paper explains that severe flooding in 2007, limited external assistance and has severely limited the worst affected population's access to food. The paper also describes the current foodsecurity situation in the country.
Table of Contents:
Development Status
FoodSecurity History
Current FoodSecurity Situation
From the Paper "Food diversity is in significant decline with proteins such as soybeans and meat in particularly short supply. This puts the worst affected people at risk of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) leading to kwashiorkor or maramus (Leathers and Foster, 2004: 28-30). The table below demonstrates the harsh limitations on the range of foods being consumed. As in the 1990s famine, coping methods include eating wild foods, which has led to diarrhoea especially among small children."
A literature review explorin sustainable agriculture and food production and how applied geo-information science can be utilized to secure the future of agricultural production the world over.
Abstract This paper begins with a look at agricultural production systems, as well as methods in both developed and developing countries. The paper then explores some components of agriculture management and forecasting as well as food production, security, and early warning systems - and then looks at how geo-information science can improve upon the former by strengthening the latter two. Finally, the paper looks at some of the representative material available vis-a-vis applied geo-information science. A brief conclusion is then offered as to what the paper has ultimately uncovered.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Agricultural Production Systems/Method in both Developed and Developing Countries
Agriculture Management and Forecasting
Food Production and Early Warning Systems
Applied Geo-information Science and "Smart" Agriculture:
FoodSecurity/Crop Yield
Improve Economy
Agricultural Planning using Soil Moisture Information
Precision Agriculture
Overall Conclusion
From the Paper "Needless to say, precision agriculture may ultimately be the one thing standing between economic and social devastation and renewed hope for the future in many developing nations. Maohua reports that the Government of the People's Republic began aiming for precision agriculture shortly after Chairman Mao's death, and the results have been favorable. According to Maohua, the government's overarching aims are to develop a Chinese agricultural capacity able to feed 1.6 billion Chinese by the middle of the twenty-first century."
Abstract This paper explains that the countries most affected by the debate surrounding genetically modified (GM) foods are Middle Eastern and Third World countries, which stand to reap the benefits of solving widespread starvation, and countries such as the United States, that are robust suppliers of GM foods. The author points out that, like all new technologies, GM pose some risks, both known and unknown; controversies surrounding GM foods and crops commonly focus on human and environmental safety, labeling and consumer choice, intellectual property rights, ethics, foodsecurity, poverty reduction and environmental conservation. The paper stresses that the likelihood that poorer countries will not be able to produce GM foods is very high because of their lack of money, resources and technology to produce them.
From the Paper "Therefore, in addition to conserving water by improving leaf characteristics, plant roots may be genetically modified to improve water uptake from the soil. Some plants such as mesquite trees prosper in extreme deserts because their roots grow to great depths to reach underground water supplies. Water channels--that is, proteins that transport water across cell membranes--are likely key players and thus good targets for genetic modification. Drought problems cause hardship to farmers worldwide. Genetic improvement of drought tolerance of crop plants through traditional breeding or gene engineering has shown encouraging signs that plants can be genetically modified to better cope with drought."
Abstract The paper discusses how every country has certain forms through which the government meets its obligation towards the weaker segments of its society. The paper proposes that in United States, the support is through social security benefits. The writer further proposes that as the society progresses, the benefits for these sections also progress, but when they are removed, it is an indication that the society is unwilling to take up its responsibility.
From the Paper "It is clear that this is an identity card and distinguishes citizens from others. The cards are issued to children born in the country and this is what gives them the right of residence in the country. If the system is modified then how shall one distinguish citizens from others? The question is very important now since we are talking about the country being a target of terrorists and other foreigners with bad intent. Any change will involve changes in all cards that have been issued and changes are not such an easy task."
Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that, in the United States, perceptions factors in the purchase of organic foods relating to food safety concerns are environmental contaminants, disease-causing organisms and pesticide residues. The author points out that useful knowledge for anyone wishing to introduce consumers to organic foods is that the consumer would not perceive much risk in food until after he or she has heard about some problem; however, once that happens, it would be likely that they would make biased judgments. The paper indicates that, in contrast to nutrition knowledge, perceptions about attributes of organic foods, such as importance of nutrition, appear to be good predictors of dietary behavior; therefore, consumer information programs must be careful to reiterated nutrition as a "salient attribute" of organic food if they want to be successful in encouraging consumers to behave in a certain way.
Table of Contents
What is Consumer Behavior?
Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior
What is Perception?
Perceived Risk in Food Price Perception
What are Attitudes?
Willingness to Pay
Resource Deficit Model
Organic Food as a Strategy to Deal with Worries about the Safety and Quality of Food Consumer Buying Decision Process
From the Paper "Dean (1999) investigated three factors-advertising cues-he believed affected consumer perceptions (and therefore behavior) concerning product quality, uniqueness, manufacturer reputation and manufacturer corporate citizenship. It is likely the last of this list would have some effect on consumer behavior regarding organic foods, especially. The three cues Dean investigated were third-party product endorsement, brand popularity and event sponsorship. He found that the popularity cue lacked significant effect; also, he found that the three cues do not interact with each other significantly in forming a basis for consumer perception and arguably behavior."
Tags: reconstructionist, nutrition, perceptions, food-safety, information
This paper analyzes the duplicitous nature of advertising in the fast food industry, focusing on the advertisements of three multinational fast food companies, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver.
Abstract Fast food advertising has been allowed to profess anything, from the "healthy quality" of their food to the food company's contribution to homeless kids. While fast food giants are quick to take any of their detractors to court for any erroneous allegations made by members of the public, it doesn?t stop these same companies from committing libel themselves through their promotions. However, most fast food companies steer clear of making outrageous claims such any health benefits, preferring to concentrate on marketing their service's convenience, economy and perceived lifestyle. This paper endeavors to highlight this discrepancy in the industry and showcases three fast food companies and their advertising efforts in that regard.
From the Paper "Fast food outlets have become the messiah for the millions of people out there who don"t have more than five minutes to spare in grabbing a bite to eat or for the millions of mothers desperate for one night of not cooking dinner for the family. There is certainly a lot to choose from. All one has to do is switch on the television, turn on the radio, go to the cinemas or even walk down the street. People from all walks of life are bombarded each and every day with jingles and gimmicks and catchcries, inviting the consumer to partake of their fried or greasy menu. Some appeal to the consumer's need for convenience, others appeal to the consumer's economic constraints, and others appeal to the consumer's perceived utopian lifestyle. Some even go so far as to appeal to the consumer's interest in healthy eating. But are these appeals from fast food conglomerates based on truth or are they just trying to beef up their profits duplicitously" This paper endeavors to explore some claims that fast food companies have made in the past through their advertising. Three fast food giants will also be held under the microscope and studied for any evidence of duplicity through their advertising."
Abstract This work examines specific issues in food biotechnology today. The paper discusses which agencies are responsible for regulation of food products and what this regulation involves. Also discussed are the products that food biotechnology has enhanced. The author notes the consumer's potential unease with food biotechnology, and cites education as helping the public overcome this mistrust. The paper includes an extensive literature review.
Outline:
Introduction
Specific Requirements for Food Additive Ingredients
Food Biotechnology is not New
Consumer Doubts
Issues Management Plan
Summary and Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "According to the work of Sally L. McCammon, Science Advisor to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture: "If genetically engineered organisms are to gain greater acceptance, decisions that address concerns associated with the application of biotechnology to agriculture must be science based. Science also must be the base by which regulatory officials can sure and build upon credibility, remain current and assure a rational basis for decision-making." (1999) McCammon states that the science-based assessment means that "the review of any particular product is done using scientific criteria relevant to that product. Advances in biotechnology -- being able to determine what has actually happened at the molecular and biochemical levels -- have increased the ability of regulators to scrutinize product safety and the effect of product modification upon safety. The scrutinies of certain products and the rigor by which evaluations are performed have also increased due to biotechnology." (1999)"
Tags:food, biotechnology, consumers, food, industry
Abstract The paper outlines the ethical, legal and social issues in food advertising and then discusses the marketing challenges of the healthy fast-food industry. The paper suggests how to incorporate these challenges into a marketing plan and opines that with medical science, ethical values and social concerns on our side, creating a positive marketing campaign to compete with traditional fast food should not be exceptionally difficult to implement.
Outline:
Ethical Issues in Food Advertising
Legal Issues in Food Advertising
Social Issues in Food Advertising
Challenges to the Healthy Fast Food Industry
Incorporating Challenges into a Marketing Plan
From the Paper "Advertising in the United States has come a long way since the era of Hollywood movie stars doing television commercials for Lucky Strikes cigarettes. Nowadays, the ethical component of advertising requires that statements about products be truthful and limits the advertising options available to certain types of products altogether. Alcohol consumption, for example, may no longer be depicted in television advertisements because of its potential to influence young people to emulate what they see on the screen. It is still permissible to advertise fast food products without restrictions of this type, but it is conceivable that in time ethical concerns over the nationwide epidemic of obesity (Gibbs 2007), especially among children, will limit the types of advertisement currently available to the industry."
Abstract The paper discusses the theme of the "risk society" in respect to food production and distribution. The paper defines the term "risk society" and looks at how decisions are made to ignore risks in order to benefit from the overall convenience gained through using a commercialized food distribution system. The paper discusses the specific risks associated with commercialized agriculture. The paper points out how some consumers avoid these risks through engaging in alternative food acquisition systems, such as purchasing organic products or buying food through community supported agriculture organizations.
Outline:
Introduction
The Theme of the Risk Society
Risk Society and the Rationale for Alternative Food Supplies
Examples of Alternative Food Supplies
Summary
From the Paper "Mainstreamed, commercialized food distribution tends to be a heavily industrialized process. When food is treated like a commodity, it is purposefully marketed towards potential consumers and made available through specific modes of sale, such as supermarkets and restaurants. This process does help facilitate the movement of food through transportation and improves access to food products among those consumers who are in proximity to local points of distribution. However, some social scientists suggest that it is easy to confuse the aspects of convenience with those of safety, especially when it is frequently argued that a centralized system of food distribution enables ease of access for monitoring food product safety through the use of independent government oversight (e.g.: the Food and Drug Administration). In this sense, it can be argued that these perceptions of commercialized food purposefully ignore the risks that are associated with convenient food distribution."
Tags: organic, commercialized, food, distribution, production
Abstract This paper talks about the success of Smithfield Foods. The author describes the origins of Smithfield Foods and discusses how Smithfield Foods have come to be as successful as they are today. The strategies that Smithfield Foods employed include the creation of a strong brand composed of high quality products and acquisitions in the United States and Europe. The paper explains how Smithfield Foods has used franchising operations to their benefit and that the success registered by the Smithfield Foods company represents their outstanding capabilities to best work with the given resource constraints. The paper also offers recommendations for improvements to the organization such as market research and better waste elimination methods from Smithfield farms.
From the Paper "The second most important recommendation has a more environmental nature and regards the waste eliminated from the Smithfield farms. They generally pose threats for the individuals' health and the issue must be resolved. The search for a viable solution has been tedious, but the company should request the services of specialized environment organizations and work together to resolve the matter. Through this, they would gain the approval of the community, which would perceive Smithfield as a fighter for individual and environmental health, and through this perception, the market share, the competitive position and the corporate performances could once again increase."
Abstract This paper examines the current and future market situation for the leading fast food restaurants in America. The paper begins with a thorough assessment of the financial and marketing considerations for the industry. Next the paper examines how traditional growth engines, such as R&D and technology investment can be utilized to help grow the fast food business. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future, and then offers an appendix on statistical trends in food consumption -- particularly as it relates to fast food.
Outline:
Financial Analysis
Stock/Investment Outlook
Potential/Prospective for Growth
Competitive Structure
Role of Research and Development
Technological Investment and Analysis
Recommendation for the Future
New Trends In Food Preparation and Eating
From the Paper "In today's market the state of the fast food industry can be summed up in two words: "fiercely competitive." McDonald's and Burger King, two fast food giants, dominate the industry but many smaller companies such as Checkers, Subway, and Taco Bell are starting to make a large dent in fast food sales. The number of fast food restaurants increased by 5% in 1995 adding more competition to an already staggering number of restaurants. Fast food continues to be very popular helping to ease the competition for customers. Americans are working longer hours leaving less time to cook at home. With less time on their hands consumers are turning towards fast food. Of the total number of people dining out 66% go to a fast food restaurant. Americans spent 93 billion dollars on fast food in 1995 accounting for 49% of total eat out food expenditures. Value pricing and larger portions are popular trends to meet consumer demand for cheap, plentiful food. Companies stay competitive by attracting customers through advertising and movie sponsorship. Marketing expenditures are gigantic in the fast food industry with many companies spending up to 25% of total expenses on advertising. Aggressive global expansion has increased fast food sales and promises to provide strong future growth. Large, untapped marketplaces exist for fast food in both industrialized and developing nations."
Abstract The writer of this article demonstrates how food and nutrition are political issues. The writer uses Marion Nestle's book "Food Politics" in order to support this theory. In this paper, the writer draws examples from the chapters of the Food Guide Pyramid, dietary supplements and techno foods.
From the Paper "With so many ideas circulating about health and nutrition, how do people decide what to eat? We look to magazines and the latest news story for advice, but importantly, many of our beliefs about how to eat come from information handed down by government agencies. In 'Food Politics' Marion Nestle exposes a nutritional world many of us do not know exists, the world of food politics, where government regulations become highly influenced by the ... "
Tags:Food Politics, Marion Nestle, nutrition, dietary supplements, Food Guide Pyramid
Abstract This paper is a study of five fast food restaurants. It examines the way food is prepared, how customers are queued for service, and the quality and the price of the food being served. It discusses how the selected restaurants try to differentiate themselves and how successful they are in doing so and in gaining market share.
From the Paper "The restaurants were Burger King, Wendy's, Baja Fresh, MacDonald's and Taco Bell. At Taco Bell, Baja Fresh, Burger King and Wendy's in store patrons were required to enter one queue from which they were served in consecutive order. At MacDonald's patrons selected a register and lined up for service. I noted a certain amount of line hopping at MacDonald's as one line move slower or more quickly than the other based on the experience of the employee working at the register combined with ..."
Tags: Fast food, speed, quality, registers, customer service, special orders, price, taste, market share, in store service, food preparation, advanced preparation, heat lamps, microwaves
Abstract In this article the writer looks at the Kudler Fine Foods company and discusses the relevance of market research. The writer explains that Kudler Fine Foods is a small purveyor of fine and specialty food items serving a niche market in the San Diego metropolitan area. Its revenues are in excess of $2m annually and it currently has an aggressive growth and expansion strategy. The writer shows that market research directly affects the relevance and utility of an organization's marketing plan and recommends that Kudler Fine Foods should take advantage of diligent market research efforts. Also, the writer highlights that building accurate competitive intelligence profiles can lead to more appropriate decisions regarding growth markets.
From the Paper "Kudler Fine Foods was founded by Kathy Kudler in 1998 in La Jolla, California. Its primary market is the San Diego metropolitan area and it currently operates three stores within that general area. Kudler Fine Foods is based on the premise that there is a market willing to pay a premium for quality gourmet food items that are otherwise difficult to find and to afford. Kudler Fine Foods addresses this need and it intends to continue its expansion in the future into new markets. Kudler Fine Foods' primary format is a facility consisting of approximately 16,000 square feet and seeks anchor locations in upscale shopping centers. Kudler Fine Foods markets food products in bakery and pastries, produce, meat and seafood items, condiments and other food products, and cheese and other dairy products."
